Plymouth’s Best Kept Secret

PORTSMOUTH, RI. – On April 16 and 17 the Plymouth State Women’s Rugby Team placed first in the Division I bracket of The Beast of The East rugby tournament. The Beast is the largest collegiate rugby tournament in the world and every year Plymouth puts on a great performance. Last year Plymouth got first place in the Div. II bracket by steamrolling over the competition. This year they were looking forward to defending their D. II title and bringing home another trophy. Unfortunately there were too many teams in the D. II side, so Plymouth was moved up a division. The Plymouth ruggers were excited for the challenge and thrilled to get the chance to win the division. When Saturday came the team was ready to leave their mark. The first game of the day was against Smith College. Socks were taped up and sunscreen was applied in excess before Plymouth could take the field, but when they did, Smith didn’t know what hit them. Their scrum was no match for PSU as the Smith girls were pushed back time and time again. Due to this fact, the game almost changed to an uncontested scrum (when you aren’t allowed to push on each other to win the ball) to ensure that the scrummies were safe. The backs proved to be just as effective as the scrummies. They broke through holes in the defensive line, set rucks, and looped with such ease that they made it look easy. Every play moved Plymouth that much closer to the tri-line. In the end Plymouth ended up beating Smith College 27-0. With the first game out of the way, Plymouth began to calm down and relax. When it came time to play Sacred Heart all the nervousness was gone. There were no dropped kicks or bad passes. The scrum was tight and worked as one to drive Sacred Heart back on their heels. In the end Plymouth won 60-0 and ended the first day of the tournament in really good shape. Sunday morning meant the semi-final game against Colby. Plymouth had played them before and they knew it was going to be a tough game. The game started off slow because people were nursing injuries from the day before. However, all that was soon forgotten as the game progressed and Plymouth found their rhythm. Colby put up a good fight but once again Plymouth came out on top 10-0. This win put them in the championship where they would come face to face with defending Div. I champs, Dartmouth College. Dartmouth would prove too big of a test for Plymouth because their girls were huge and well conditioned. Plymouth’s 5 foot average backline players would appear to be no match for Dartmouth’s 5-10 backs. Plymouth may have lacked in size, but they made up for it with heart, and in the end, heart always wins. From the time the first whistle blew to the last, the game was a blood bath. Neither team let up, and everything was left on the field. This was Plymouth’s last chance to prove to everyone that they could compete with the big dogs. At first the game was lopsided in Dartmouth’s favor because Plymouth was scared. Dartmouth was bigger, faster, stronger, and Plymouth was used to being in charge. They were shocked but ready for the battle that ensued. Much to everyone’s disbelief when the game was over and the dust was cleared Plymouth proved to be victorious once again 12-0. This was one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Not only did a Div. II team move up and win the Div. I championship, but they did it without any opponent scoring on them. Plymouth is a Div. III school, with a Div. II rugby team, and a Div. I championship. Be sure to catch the girls in action Saturday April 23 as they host the first annual NH cup. Teams from all over New Hampshire are coming to prove once and for all who the best team is. After the tournament the coaches will decide on a NH all-star team that will play against all the other New England states. It should prove to be a very exciting day so don’t miss the opportunity to stop by.